Etihad Airways checks in for a new sponsorship journey with Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer today announced the multi-year renewal of its partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.

The two organisations first became
partners in 2014. With this extension, Etihad Airways continues its role as the
official airline partner of MLS and deepens its commitment to the U.S. and
Canada markets.

To announce the extension, Etihad
Airways has teamed up with popular soccer personalities Roger Bennett and
Michael Davies of Men in Blazers to
tell soccer’s incredible global story and the many intersections between MLS
and the airline. Watch the story unfold at bit.ly/EY_MLS.

Under the renewed sponsorship, Etihad
Airways and MLS will collaborate through the MLS Flight Path campaign. One of the campaign elements explores the
global paths players have taken to become MLS stars through exclusive features
and interactive digital maps.

Patrick Pierce, Vice President Marketing
Partnerships at Etihad Airways, said: “We are thrilled to continue our
partnership with Major League Soccer, reinforcing our long-term commitment to
North American soccer fans. Etihad Airways and MLS share the same spirit of
global connectivity through sports, and we are dedicated to celebrating soccer’s
rising popularity in the U.S., Canada and beyond.”

Major League Soccer represents the sport’s
highest level in the United States and Canada, comprising 22 teams, with 19 in
the U.S. and three in Canada. The MLS season runs from March to December.

Jennifer Cramer, Vice President of
Partnership Marketing, MLS, said: “We are extremely proud to extend our
partnership with Etihad Airways and build upon our relationship with one of the
world’s best airlines. At MLS, we are dedicated to serving our global audience,
which is why it is truly exciting to partner with a premium global brand whose
values and approach mirror our own. Together, we will continue to build upon
our commitment to global soccer and its dedicated fans.”

Etihad Airways currently operates 45
return flights each week between Abu Dhabi and six American cities – Chicago,
Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco and Washington,
D.C. Through Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi, the airline offers passengers
from the United States direct access to the UAE capital, and seamless connections
to the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and throughout the Asia
Pacific.

Etihad supports soccer globally through
various partnerships including a Principal Partnership with New York City
Football Club, Manchester City Football Club, Melbourne City Football Club, Al
Ittihad Football Club and Al Ain Football Club in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Other sponsorships in the U.S. include official
airline deals with the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., the Washington
Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), the Washington Mystics (WNBA) and
IMG Fashion, supporting 17 Fashion Week events annually, including New York
Fashion Week.